Imagine a young, beautiful girl who was talented, smart and endearing, with the world at her feet. This was our beautiful and caring daughter Amanda.

Amanda was our second child, a much loved daughter and sister to her brothers Scott and Anthony.

Amanda had the most outgoing and endearing personality that any person could wish for. She smiled all the time and many people told me they couldn’t help but be positive in her company. Little did they know that underneath the façade, Amanda was very frightened and constantly questioned what other people thought of her.

Amanda was a happy girl without a care in the world until she turned 13. She was always trying to impress her peers, who thought she was only a pretty face. There was so much more to her. Despite trying to comfort and encourage her strength, it didn’t help to improve Amanda’s vulnerability.

Amanda loved animals, especially her puppies. Like many little girls she loved dressing up and her room was filled with beautiful dolls and pretty pictures. She absolutely adored performing in front of her family. We had some wonderful Christmases together and it was Amanda’s performances that made the day.

As she reached her teens she had a profound interest in the theatre, in actors and TV stars. She loved games, sporting events, entertaining and anything that involved being a part of a large group.

She excelled at sport during her school years – particularly swimming and her ballet developed to the point of a prospective career.

It astounded us that a beautiful person like Amanda just wanted to be accepted and be welcomed into a team.

Her university studies, initially in drama, led her into early childhood development.  She was passionate about nurturing little lives.

As Amanda got older she seemed to think that one of her missions in life was to make everybody else happy, despite dealing with her own personal demons.  She was happiest when everybody around her had a smile on their face and we’re certain that her personal goal in life was to be there for others who needed help. This was intrinsically Amanda.

Putting her beauty aside, Amanda hid the suffering of mental illness that consumed her life and ultimately took her away from her loving family and the rest of the world.  Amanda passed away from suicide at only 27 years of age.

While only a short life, Amanda taught us and everyone around her what it meant to be a genuinely caring and gentle person. Amanda will never be forgotten and her legacy will live on for years to come.